Miller Minutes: Butler Farm Show and other festivities in Butler County this week
“It began with a plow.” This tagline promoting the Butler Farm Show not only speaks to how a small gathering became a massive, weeklong tradition, but also to how Western Pennsylvanians celebrate agriculture.
Untouched fields have always been striking to me, but driving through the rolling hills of corn and hay in my hometown often reminds me of how much beauty there can be when nature is tamed by a human hand.
I experience a similar feeling when I drive past the farm show grounds, since I know some of our county’s hardest workers are out there showcasing all of the fruits of their labor, and packing a little fun in as well.
It takes a lot of work to till the land, raise animals and pray for rain. It is rare for agriculturalists to ever take a day off, since nature can be so unforgiving. I like to think the Farm Show week is a time they can enjoy showing off that hard work, and the city slickers can enjoy and celebrate all that they do. We get to gawk at their fluffy lambs, bunnies and alpacas, and scream and cheer over the tractor pulls and other forms of entertainment.
In short, I see the Butler Farm Show as one of the best ways to get to know Butler County and its citizens, and it would be a darn shame if you didn’t drop by and experience it for yourself.
There are other events going on in and around Butler County this weekend as well! Check them out here.
The Butler Farm Show, 625 Evans City Road in Connoquenessing Township, opens at 8:30 a.m. every day through Saturday and showcases our fantastic farming community. Activities include exhibits and demonstrations, animals, arts and crafts, carnival games and more. Admission is $10. For more information, visit butlerfarmshow.com.
Broad Street Elementary School is hosting its fourth ever SummerFest at noon Friday, Aug. 9, on school grounds, 200 Broad St. There will be food, games, back-to-school shopping, and other activities for the community to enjoy. For more information, see the flier on visitbutlercounty.com.
The Divine Grace Parish Family Festival at the St. Ferdinand Church, 2535 Rochester Road in Cranberry Township, runs from Friday through Sunday. Festivities start at 4 p.m. and include food, entertainment, games, prizes and more. For more information, visit parishfamilyfestival.org.
See “The General and Mark Twain,” a historical production, at the Freeport Theatre Festival starting Friday at the Steele Farmstead on White Cloud Road near Freeport. Tickets cost $15 for general admission, $12 for veterans, and $10 for seniors and students. Tickets are available at freeporttheatrefestival.org.
The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh is having a Star Party at the Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory in Deer Lakes Park, 1090 Bailey’s Run Road, at 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, weather permitting. Visitors will have an opportunity to view the moon, star clusters, double stars and other delights. Call 724-224-2510 for more information.
Glade Run’s Family Food Truck Festival lasts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 30 Glade Run Drive in Zelienople. There will be eight food trucks and a plethora of activities including a concert, children’s games, minigolf, a car cruise and bake sale. For more information, see the flier on visitbutlercounty.com.
A Taste of the Symphony, a summer music series hosted by the Butler County Symphony Orchestra, kicks off at noon in Diamond Park, 108 S. Main St., Butler. Bryan Helsel will be performing on piano. Admission to the concert is free, and there will be vendors set up at the park. For more information, visit the symphony’s website.
Go on a Salamander Safari and explore Hell Run Creek in McConnells Mill State Park to look for critters from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The tour is led by a park naturalist and includes a 15-minute walk to a stream. Meet at the Hell’s Hollow Trail parking lot, 1761 McConnells Mill Road, Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County. Wear sturdy walking shoes and pack water shoes and bug spray. For more information, visit events.dcnr.pa.gov.
Get spooked at the Haunted Waters night swim, which will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. in EDCO Park, 154 W. Main St., Evans City. Food, activities, music and frightening fun will all be at your disposal. For more information, see the flier on visitbutlercounty.com.
Discover the fascinating world of bugs at a Bug Safari Program hosted from 7 to 8 p.m. at Shelter 12 in Alameda Park, 184 Alameda Park Road, Butler Township. Bring a wide-mouthed bottle with a lid — one not made of glass — to catch and release creatures. Bug repellent and long slacks are recommended. The event will be canceled if it rains. Admission is $5 for children 12 and younger. Registration is required via BCPR.recdesk.com.
Step back in time when you visit the historic Foltz School. The one-room schoolhouse just off Route 8 near Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Brady Township, will be open for touring from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tours are free. For more information, visit Jennings’ page at dcnr.pa.gov.
Don’t forget that next week kicks off the North Washington Rodeo. A pre-party is planned for Monday, and the main event begins at 8 p.m. Tuesday. The rodeo runs nightly through Aug. 17. Gates open at 6 p.m. at 2225 Oneida Valley Road, Washington Township. The event is held rain or shine.
If you want to submit an event for Miller Minutes, email the information to news@butlereagle.com.
